Ijournal entry 051517 #19. May, Month of Blessed Mary. May Bernice's soul rest in Peace. Truffles, The Rule of St. Benedict. Quotes from Stephen F. Miletic, St. Padre Pio, and Fr. Simon Devereaux. "Praying with Your Five Fingers", by Pope Francis. The Jesus Prayer and the Hindu Mantra, by Dionysios Farasiotis. Video presentation: Talk 2: Theology of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, by Father Raniero Cantalamessa.
"Mary first conceived Jesus in faith and then in the flesh, when she said “yes” to the message God gave her through the angel. What does this mean? It means that God did not want to become man by bypassing our freedom; he wanted to pass through Mary’s free assent, through her “yes.” He asked her: “Are you prepared to do this?” And she replied: “Yes.” But what took place most singularly in theVirgin Mary also takes place within us, spiritually, when we receive the word of God with a good and sincere heart and put it into practice. It is as if God takes flesh within us; he comes to dwell in us, for he dwells in all who love him and keep his word. It is not easy to understand this, but really, it is easy to feel it in our heart". By Pope Francis
The Rule of St. Benedict
"For the abbot in his teaching ought always to observe the rule of the apostle, wherein he says: Reprove, entreat, rebuke.
"For the abbot in his teaching ought always to observe the rule of the apostle, wherein he says: Reprove, entreat, rebuke.
"He must adapt himself to circumstances, now using severity and now persuasion, displaying the rigor of a master or the loving kindness of a father. That is to say he must sternly rebuke the undisciplined and restless; but the obedient, meek and patient, these he should exhort to advance in virtue. As for the negligent and rebellious, we warn him to reprimand and punish them. And let him not shut his eyes to the faults of offenders; but as soon as they begin to appear, let him, as he can, cut them out by the roots, mindful of the fate of Heli, the priest of Silo. Those of gentle disposition and good understanding should be punished, for the first and second time, by verbal admonition; but bold, hard, proud and disobedient characters should be checked at the very beginning of their ill-doing by the rod and corporal punishment, according to the text: the fool is not corrected with words; and again: Beat thy son with the rod and thou shalt deliver his soul from death".
MC=The way of the world is to dismiss corporal punishment, but the bible speaks of things in a much different light. Over and over the rod have a place to play in the lives of children. Let us not be catechized by an ungodly society.
Another RIP, this time a relative, dear Bernice. Check out her contribution to "The GIG", a fantastic witness about the power of prayer. Best to let her video do the talking, and you'll be able to size her up. A life well lived, a great example of how to persevere and keep on keeping on. She was an inspiration for how to humble oneself in the sight of the Lord so he can raise you up. Thank you Bernice for giving of yourself to so many, and in a multitude of ways. You did it time, after time, after time, and now you can reap from all that sowing for a lifetime as your soul rest in the God you loved, in His peace and in His love.
gigapostolate.weebly.com/condiments/the-power-of-prayer-in-the-life-of-a-believer-by-bernice-part-i
🔴"Silent prayer is where we learn to allow the Holy Spirit to open us up to being loved by God and to the discovery of God's absolute joy, delight and pleasure in loving us. God's freedom to love us and our freedom to allow Him to Love us are joined in silent prayer. It is in silent prayer that we learn to allow God to love us, as much as He wants, as much as we can receive. This experience is at the wellsprings of divine Life. The 'locus' of this school of the Holy Spirit is our 'hidden soul' where nuptial union with God is actualized at baptism. Here is where our heart's deepest conditional longings, sufferings, desolations, discouragements and darkness are met with God's unconditional, eternal longings to give Himself to us, of pouring His endless love into the very structure of our being". By Stephen F. Miletic
🔵 "God calls us to Himself and follows us along the path towards Him. He will never permit anything to happen to us that is not for our greater good. He knows who we are." - St. Padre Pio
🔘 "Would that we all become the childlike citizens of the Kingdom that Jesus longs us to be! I don't think (and thank) God enough. But I'm consoled to known He is always thinking about me!" By Fr. Simon Devereaux
🔵 "God calls us to Himself and follows us along the path towards Him. He will never permit anything to happen to us that is not for our greater good. He knows who we are." - St. Padre Pio
🔘 "Would that we all become the childlike citizens of the Kingdom that Jesus longs us to be! I don't think (and thank) God enough. But I'm consoled to known He is always thinking about me!" By Fr. Simon Devereaux
The St. Padre quote, offered above as a cheese and cracker, crossed my path the day before a meditation developed after departing the adoration chapel. While walking to the car, coming into view were two young boys in the yard with their father. They appeared to be between the ages of five and seven. They were so comfortable relating, asking questions and playing around. It seemed no one in the world could have convinced them that their father did not mean them well or that they would have to worry about ever being taken care of. No worries or fears about the rug being pulled out from under them when they least expected it. It seemed any decisions being made, they would be happy to go along with, or if unhappy for a little while, knowing without a doubt that for sure something good would be coming down the pipeline. Matter of fact, something extra good to more than makeup for the moments of sadness, because good dads do just that.
The following graphic is coming to mind:
The following graphic is coming to mind:
That we might be able to relate with our dear Father in heaven in such a trusting and childlike way. Maybe it's because of being "too big for our britches". A bit of nostalgia to remember from my childhood a long time ago when there was this old relative who said to me one day: "Lil girl, you are too big for your britches". How funny to recall that now, and how sad that no new or old idioms are coming my way.
OK, back on the road again, hopefully someone may enjoy the scenic route. Well, it was easy after watching the kids to visualize us interacting with God in that very same way. This would surely make Him happy, while loosening the tension in the spring of our lives. As the father was watching over his kids and enjoying them, the same is afforded us as God our Father is always with us, watching over us, and consistent with loving care forever, yes for all of eternity. The problem is that we do not see ourselves for what we really are, children, kids of the King. In the sight of men distinctions are made, rightfully so and necessary at times, but for God, that is unnecessary. In His sight we are all children. If we identify as spiritual kids, then our mindset will dramatically shift. Our assessment will be accurate, and we will believe that since God is a wise, omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, and an all loving Father, thereby we can totally enjoy Him and go along with His plans. We will want His input and long for His company, enjoying and trusting Him like the kids were doing with their dad. They kept on calling his name: dad, dad, dad, now let "Abba", "Abba", "Abba", be on our lips more and more. When is the last time you called Father God "Abba"?
It can be liken to the "Jesus Prayer", settling our souls, helping our minds to focus totally on God the Father, and simply worshiping Him, but in no way simplistic. My Aunt Hil, when she was alive battling cancer, used to say the Jesus prayer her signature way, and it sure resonated with me. Her addition comes at the end with her plea to be healed. It was heeded, cause after seven years it came in the form of the final healing that will one day be ours, entry into eternal life.
The Jesus Prayer Hil Style:
"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner, and heal me with your love"
A 365 degree turn in trusting God would have us going in the direction of peace, joy, and hope, despite the current events of our lives. We would know even that when we are disciplined, it is the right thing, happening at the right time, to produce the right results, working for our greater good. Accepting what is happening in a less rebellious way, would result from knowing that our Father could at any moment change things, but is His infinite wisdom is permitting or orchestrating a greater good that seems unbelievable. St. Therese's spirituality of childhood entered my thoughts, the truth delights. What a masterpiece to explore at another time.
The capstone came by way of the Fr. Simon's (Fr. Peter's lil bro) post: "Spiritual-Expresso". It is the last cheese & cracker being served today. My amen, hopefully you can be counted in that number, for all of us to become the childlike citizens of the Kingdom that Jesus longs for us to be. Absolutely an "amen" for us to begin thinking and thanking God more. Guess my "Father Prayer" to accompany the "Jesus Prayer"can be this: (saying it for others and for myself)
Abba, Abba, Abba,
All Loving Almighty Father, it is with Worship, Honor, and with Glory
we Praise and Love Thee. Grace us to wholeheartedly Love You More and More.
Of course unique to me is:
Abba, Abba, Abba, (my Pop-P, Pop-p, my Pop-P)All Loving Almighty Father (Pop-P, Pop-P, Pop-P), it is with Worship, Honor, and with Glory
I Praise and Love Thee (you know that Pop-P). Grace me to wholeheartedly Love You, (my Pop-P) More and More.
All of this is resulting in the meat dish about the Jesus Prayer. Please, not today, please don't pass up the "beef".
OK, back on the road again, hopefully someone may enjoy the scenic route. Well, it was easy after watching the kids to visualize us interacting with God in that very same way. This would surely make Him happy, while loosening the tension in the spring of our lives. As the father was watching over his kids and enjoying them, the same is afforded us as God our Father is always with us, watching over us, and consistent with loving care forever, yes for all of eternity. The problem is that we do not see ourselves for what we really are, children, kids of the King. In the sight of men distinctions are made, rightfully so and necessary at times, but for God, that is unnecessary. In His sight we are all children. If we identify as spiritual kids, then our mindset will dramatically shift. Our assessment will be accurate, and we will believe that since God is a wise, omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, and an all loving Father, thereby we can totally enjoy Him and go along with His plans. We will want His input and long for His company, enjoying and trusting Him like the kids were doing with their dad. They kept on calling his name: dad, dad, dad, now let "Abba", "Abba", "Abba", be on our lips more and more. When is the last time you called Father God "Abba"?
It can be liken to the "Jesus Prayer", settling our souls, helping our minds to focus totally on God the Father, and simply worshiping Him, but in no way simplistic. My Aunt Hil, when she was alive battling cancer, used to say the Jesus prayer her signature way, and it sure resonated with me. Her addition comes at the end with her plea to be healed. It was heeded, cause after seven years it came in the form of the final healing that will one day be ours, entry into eternal life.
The Jesus Prayer Hil Style:
"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner, and heal me with your love"
A 365 degree turn in trusting God would have us going in the direction of peace, joy, and hope, despite the current events of our lives. We would know even that when we are disciplined, it is the right thing, happening at the right time, to produce the right results, working for our greater good. Accepting what is happening in a less rebellious way, would result from knowing that our Father could at any moment change things, but is His infinite wisdom is permitting or orchestrating a greater good that seems unbelievable. St. Therese's spirituality of childhood entered my thoughts, the truth delights. What a masterpiece to explore at another time.
The capstone came by way of the Fr. Simon's (Fr. Peter's lil bro) post: "Spiritual-Expresso". It is the last cheese & cracker being served today. My amen, hopefully you can be counted in that number, for all of us to become the childlike citizens of the Kingdom that Jesus longs for us to be. Absolutely an "amen" for us to begin thinking and thanking God more. Guess my "Father Prayer" to accompany the "Jesus Prayer"can be this: (saying it for others and for myself)
Abba, Abba, Abba,
All Loving Almighty Father, it is with Worship, Honor, and with Glory
we Praise and Love Thee. Grace us to wholeheartedly Love You More and More.
Of course unique to me is:
Abba, Abba, Abba, (my Pop-P, Pop-p, my Pop-P)All Loving Almighty Father (Pop-P, Pop-P, Pop-P), it is with Worship, Honor, and with Glory
I Praise and Love Thee (you know that Pop-P). Grace me to wholeheartedly Love You, (my Pop-P) More and More.
All of this is resulting in the meat dish about the Jesus Prayer. Please, not today, please don't pass up the "beef".
To keep the childlike momentum going...)
"Praying with Your Five Fingers", by Pope Francis.
Info from this site:
www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=3396
"Using the fingers on your hand, start with the thumb and pray these intentions in this order:
1.) The thumb is closest finger to you. So start praying for those who are closest to you. They are the persons easiest to remember. To pray for our dear ones is a "Sweet Obligation."
2.) The next finger is the index. Pray for those who teach you, instruct you and heal you. They need the support and wisdom to show direction to others. Always keep them in your prayers.
3.) The following finger is the tallest. It reminds us of our leaders, the governors and those who have authority. They need God's guidance.
4.) The fourth finger is the ring finger. Even though it may surprise you, it is our weakest finger. It should remind us to pray for the weakest, the sick or those plagued by problems. They need your prayers.
5.) And finally we have our smallest finger, the smallest of all. Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. When you are done praying for the other four groups, you will be able to see your own needs but in the proper perspective, and also you will be able to pray for your own needs in a better way".
Info from this site:
www.catholic.org/prayers/prayer.php?p=3396
"Using the fingers on your hand, start with the thumb and pray these intentions in this order:
1.) The thumb is closest finger to you. So start praying for those who are closest to you. They are the persons easiest to remember. To pray for our dear ones is a "Sweet Obligation."
2.) The next finger is the index. Pray for those who teach you, instruct you and heal you. They need the support and wisdom to show direction to others. Always keep them in your prayers.
3.) The following finger is the tallest. It reminds us of our leaders, the governors and those who have authority. They need God's guidance.
4.) The fourth finger is the ring finger. Even though it may surprise you, it is our weakest finger. It should remind us to pray for the weakest, the sick or those plagued by problems. They need your prayers.
5.) And finally we have our smallest finger, the smallest of all. Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. When you are done praying for the other four groups, you will be able to see your own needs but in the proper perspective, and also you will be able to pray for your own needs in a better way".
"The Jesus Prayer and the Hindu Mantra", by Dionysios Farasiotis
Info from this site:
www.orthodoxprayer.org/Articles_files/Farasiotis-JesusPrayer-HinduMantra.html
"The Jesus Prayer is not recited as a Mantra, but as a prayer to the Person of Christ. One of the greatest spiritual gifts that Elder Paisios gave me was his guidance along the mystical path of the Jesus Prayer. This started at the beginning of our acquaintance and continued until his repose twelve years later. The Jesus Prayer consists of the repetition of the phrase "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me."' The Jesus Prayer is not recited as a Mantra, but as a prayer to the Person of Christ.
Prayer, as I learned, is a relationship between two persons, God and man, who move towards each other. Thus, the swiftness or slowness with which a person advances in prayer depends on both the human and divine wills. Neither the freedom of God in His sovereignty nor the freedom of man in his free choice are ever violated. For his part, man offers his good intention, his labors, and his desire to draw near to God. God, in turn, offers His grace...
When yogis claim that the Jesus Prayer resembles their own mantras, they are in fact trying to fit the Jesus Prayer into their own Procrustean bed. Of course, there are similarities, but there are also enormous differences-both a table and a horse have four legs, but to conclude that they are consequently the same would be an error of the crudest sort. But this is just the kind of error the yogis make when they claim that the Jesus Prayer is a kind of mantra. A brief examination of the essential differences between the Jesus Prayer and a mantra should provide those with an open mind the wherewithal to draw the proper conclusions.
First, consider how the Orthodox tradition understands the meaning of the Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me." The word "Lord" is the name for God most frequently encountered in the Old Testament in the oft-repeated formula "Thus saith the Lord ..." or in the commandments: I am the Lord thy God. When Orthodox Christians call Jesus Christ, "Lord," they are confessing that He is the God of the Old Testament Who spoke to the patriarchs-Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Word is the Person who gave the law to Moses. In other words, the One who spoke to the prophets was none other than the second Person of the Holy Trinity, Who later took flesh and was united with human nature in the Person of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, when we say "Lord Jesus Christ"-with faith, with all our heart's strength-we come under the influence of the Holy Spirit, as Saint Paul says:
Info from this site:
www.orthodoxprayer.org/Articles_files/Farasiotis-JesusPrayer-HinduMantra.html
"The Jesus Prayer is not recited as a Mantra, but as a prayer to the Person of Christ. One of the greatest spiritual gifts that Elder Paisios gave me was his guidance along the mystical path of the Jesus Prayer. This started at the beginning of our acquaintance and continued until his repose twelve years later. The Jesus Prayer consists of the repetition of the phrase "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me."' The Jesus Prayer is not recited as a Mantra, but as a prayer to the Person of Christ.
Prayer, as I learned, is a relationship between two persons, God and man, who move towards each other. Thus, the swiftness or slowness with which a person advances in prayer depends on both the human and divine wills. Neither the freedom of God in His sovereignty nor the freedom of man in his free choice are ever violated. For his part, man offers his good intention, his labors, and his desire to draw near to God. God, in turn, offers His grace...
When yogis claim that the Jesus Prayer resembles their own mantras, they are in fact trying to fit the Jesus Prayer into their own Procrustean bed. Of course, there are similarities, but there are also enormous differences-both a table and a horse have four legs, but to conclude that they are consequently the same would be an error of the crudest sort. But this is just the kind of error the yogis make when they claim that the Jesus Prayer is a kind of mantra. A brief examination of the essential differences between the Jesus Prayer and a mantra should provide those with an open mind the wherewithal to draw the proper conclusions.
First, consider how the Orthodox tradition understands the meaning of the Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me." The word "Lord" is the name for God most frequently encountered in the Old Testament in the oft-repeated formula "Thus saith the Lord ..." or in the commandments: I am the Lord thy God. When Orthodox Christians call Jesus Christ, "Lord," they are confessing that He is the God of the Old Testament Who spoke to the patriarchs-Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The Word is the Person who gave the law to Moses. In other words, the One who spoke to the prophets was none other than the second Person of the Holy Trinity, Who later took flesh and was united with human nature in the Person of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, when we say "Lord Jesus Christ"-with faith, with all our heart's strength-we come under the influence of the Holy Spirit, as Saint Paul says:
Having recognized the existence of the true personal God outside and beyond his own self, from this God a Christian asks "mercy." The elder once told me, "Mercy contains all things. Love, forgiveness, healing, restoration, and repentance all fit within the word 'mercy."' It is the mercy of God that brings about repentance, purification from the passions, the illumination of the nous, and, in the end, theosis. From my journey I have learned that salvation comes from the mercy of Christ, the unique Savior of mankind, rather than from my intelligence, my prideful endeavors, or the techniques of yoga. Salvation and theosis are so very precious that it is impossible for anyone to make any effort or do any ascetic labor that would be equivalent to even the smallest fraction of their value.
Indeed, from my conversations with other fathers who were laborers in the Jesus Prayer and from my own experience, I know full well that prayer is a gift from God. Nothing is accomplished by human labor alone, for Christ said, Without Me ye can do nothing
Indeed, from my conversations with other fathers who were laborers in the Jesus Prayer and from my own experience, I know full well that prayer is a gift from God. Nothing is accomplished by human labor alone, for Christ said, Without Me ye can do nothing
and as the Apostle James bears witness, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights
Even as God granted us existence, in the same way He gradually grants us to know Him and be united with Him through prayer, leading us ultimately to life eternal.
Now, consider how the yogis view a mantra. First of all, there are many mantras, and each refers to one of the many gods of the Hindu pantheon such as Krishna, Rama, Vishnu, or the goddess Kali. There is not one standard explanation given by yogis for the mantras; rather, their explanations are tailored to the receptivity of each listener. For beginners who are not disposed to worship idols, yogis give a pseudo-scientific, mechanistic explanation: they claim that the benefit accrued by repeating the mantra is due to certain frequencies produced by its pronunciation, which cause spiritual vibrations that activate spiritual centers within man. (However, the existence of such centers in man can only be taken on faith-if someone willingly chooses to believe such a claim.) For those who are inclined towards psychological interpretations, the yogis present the repetition of a mantra as a type of auto-suggestion that enables the practitioner to program his inner world according to positive models. When addressing those who have become more involved with Hinduism and now believe in many gods, the yogis claim that the worshipper receives the blessing of whatever god is being invoked.
What constitutes the infinite distance separating the Christian Jesus Prayer from the Hindu mantra, however, is that which lurks behind the name of the god being invoked in a mantra and invited into the soul. Through the mouth of the Holy Prophet David, God declares, All the gods of the nations are demons
Now, consider how the yogis view a mantra. First of all, there are many mantras, and each refers to one of the many gods of the Hindu pantheon such as Krishna, Rama, Vishnu, or the goddess Kali. There is not one standard explanation given by yogis for the mantras; rather, their explanations are tailored to the receptivity of each listener. For beginners who are not disposed to worship idols, yogis give a pseudo-scientific, mechanistic explanation: they claim that the benefit accrued by repeating the mantra is due to certain frequencies produced by its pronunciation, which cause spiritual vibrations that activate spiritual centers within man. (However, the existence of such centers in man can only be taken on faith-if someone willingly chooses to believe such a claim.) For those who are inclined towards psychological interpretations, the yogis present the repetition of a mantra as a type of auto-suggestion that enables the practitioner to program his inner world according to positive models. When addressing those who have become more involved with Hinduism and now believe in many gods, the yogis claim that the worshipper receives the blessing of whatever god is being invoked.
What constitutes the infinite distance separating the Christian Jesus Prayer from the Hindu mantra, however, is that which lurks behind the name of the god being invoked in a mantra and invited into the soul. Through the mouth of the Holy Prophet David, God declares, All the gods of the nations are demons
In other words, behind the names Krishna, Rama, or Shiva are demons lying In wait. Once they are invoked by the use of the mantra, the door is open for the devil to begin his theatrical productions, using sounds, images, dreams, and the imagination in general in order to drag the practitioner deeper into deception.
Another significant difference between the Christian Jesus Prayer and the Hindu mantra is the diametrically opposed viewpoints of the two faiths regarding techniques and the human subject. I recall a conversation I had with Niranjan after he had given me permission to begin to practice some supposedly powerful yoga techniques. I said to him, "It's fine practicing the techniques, but what happens to the human passions of greed, lust for power, vainglory, and selfishness? Aren't we concerned about them?" "They disappear," he replied, "through the practice of the techniques." "Do they just disappear like that, on their own?" I asked. "Yes, they disappear automatically, while you are practicing the techniques."
What an astonishing assertion: physical exercises can wipe out the inclinations that a person's soul acquired in life through conscious choices. But, in reality, man, as a self-determining and free moral agent, can change the conscious aspect of his personality and his moral sense only by the use of his own free will to make conscious decisions in real-life situations. Any external means to automatically induce such a change in a person's consciousness without his consent circumvent man's free will, obliterate his volition, and destroy his freedom, reducing man to a spineless puppet manipulated by a marionettist's strings. Hinduism's relentless insistence on properly performed techniques with automatic results degrades man by depriving him of his most precious quality: the self-governing free will. It restricts the boundless human spirit within a framework of mechanical methods and reflexes.
Orthodox Christian Faith, on the contrary, recognizes and honors the gift of human freedom as a divine trait. This recognition and approach help man to be actualized as a free being. Precisely on account of the human freedom to choose, man's often- unpredictable responses can't be limited to the mechanical reflexes of a closed system, but can innovatively turn in any spiritual direction that he, as a free subject, wills. This is why Orthodoxy is not adamant about techniques and methods. In freedom and with respect, Orthodoxy seeks the human heart, encouraging the individual to do what is good for the sake of the good, and pointing out the appropriate moral stance of the soul before God, which an individual can then freely choose to embrace.
Genuine spiritual development entails a deepening familiarity with God and with one's own self, acquired through moral choices that a person freely makes in the depths of his heart. Spiritual progress is a product of man's way of relating to himself, to his fellow man, and to God by the good use of his innate moral freedom. This is why Christ calls out, If any man wills to come after Me, let him freely deny himself
Another significant difference between the Christian Jesus Prayer and the Hindu mantra is the diametrically opposed viewpoints of the two faiths regarding techniques and the human subject. I recall a conversation I had with Niranjan after he had given me permission to begin to practice some supposedly powerful yoga techniques. I said to him, "It's fine practicing the techniques, but what happens to the human passions of greed, lust for power, vainglory, and selfishness? Aren't we concerned about them?" "They disappear," he replied, "through the practice of the techniques." "Do they just disappear like that, on their own?" I asked. "Yes, they disappear automatically, while you are practicing the techniques."
What an astonishing assertion: physical exercises can wipe out the inclinations that a person's soul acquired in life through conscious choices. But, in reality, man, as a self-determining and free moral agent, can change the conscious aspect of his personality and his moral sense only by the use of his own free will to make conscious decisions in real-life situations. Any external means to automatically induce such a change in a person's consciousness without his consent circumvent man's free will, obliterate his volition, and destroy his freedom, reducing man to a spineless puppet manipulated by a marionettist's strings. Hinduism's relentless insistence on properly performed techniques with automatic results degrades man by depriving him of his most precious quality: the self-governing free will. It restricts the boundless human spirit within a framework of mechanical methods and reflexes.
Orthodox Christian Faith, on the contrary, recognizes and honors the gift of human freedom as a divine trait. This recognition and approach help man to be actualized as a free being. Precisely on account of the human freedom to choose, man's often- unpredictable responses can't be limited to the mechanical reflexes of a closed system, but can innovatively turn in any spiritual direction that he, as a free subject, wills. This is why Orthodoxy is not adamant about techniques and methods. In freedom and with respect, Orthodoxy seeks the human heart, encouraging the individual to do what is good for the sake of the good, and pointing out the appropriate moral stance of the soul before God, which an individual can then freely choose to embrace.
Genuine spiritual development entails a deepening familiarity with God and with one's own self, acquired through moral choices that a person freely makes in the depths of his heart. Spiritual progress is a product of man's way of relating to himself, to his fellow man, and to God by the good use of his innate moral freedom. This is why Christ calls out, If any man wills to come after Me, let him freely deny himself
that is, without being deceived, without being psychologically compelled, and without being forced, all of which are inappropriate to the spiritual nobility of Christian life.
Father Porphyrios had a small parrot that he taught to pray in order to illustrate the absurdity of some Christians' empty repetition of the words of prayer, as well as the ridiculousness of the opinion commonly presented in Eastern religions that someone can make moral advances by physical exercises or breathing techniques. Every so often, the parrot would mechanically say, "Lord, have mercy." The elder would respond, “Look, the parrot can say the prayer, but does that mean that it is praying? Can prayer exist without the conscious and free participation of the person who prays?"
Father Porphyrios had a small parrot that he taught to pray in order to illustrate the absurdity of some Christians' empty repetition of the words of prayer, as well as the ridiculousness of the opinion commonly presented in Eastern religions that someone can make moral advances by physical exercises or breathing techniques. Every so often, the parrot would mechanically say, "Lord, have mercy." The elder would respond, “Look, the parrot can say the prayer, but does that mean that it is praying? Can prayer exist without the conscious and free participation of the person who prays?"
Talk 2: "Theology of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit", by Father Raniero Cantalamessa
Link to the YouTube video:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxH080UE8xw&sns=em
Link to the YouTube video:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxH080UE8xw&sns=em